Newcastle City Council’s decision making Cabinet will welcome a new face as Lemmington Councillor Kim McGuinness takes over  the culture and communities portfolio following the resignation of Councillor David Stockdale because of work commitments.

Councillor Stockdale said: “I have really enjoyed my time as a Cabinet Member despite the huge challenge of dealing with austerity. My new responsibilities at work have made it increasingly difficult to balance my cabinet role and my professional role and I feel that now is the right time to step back from the cabinet position to allow someone else the chance to defend our services as I have in this crucially important role.

“This is a great city and I am proud to have contributed to defending the people here from austerity and maintaining the civic services that are so highly valued by our residents.”

Leader of Newcastle, Councillor Nick Forbes said: “I would like to thank David for his dedicated service as a cabinet member. He has overseen some major changes in the way the council delivers front line services without ever losing sight of our values.

“His enthusiasm and his dedication to our city will be a big loss to the cabinet team and I wish well with his increased responsibilities at work.”

New cabinet member for culture and communities Kim McGuinness said: “I am delighted to take up this new role defending public services and ensuring the world class arts, cultural and tourism scene in Newcastle continues to grow and thrive.

“Our libraries, leisure and community centres must remain at the centre of family and community life, they are the civic treasures that unite our city.

“Standing up for these in the face of austerity imposed on us will not be easy, but I am determined to defend our city’s values and proud to be playing my part.”